THERE IS nothing express about this dhaba except for the service but then relishing food is a passenger process and in this respect Dhaba Express, the newly opened Punjabi restaurant in the inner circle of Connaught Place fits the bill. "I have a personal interest in food particularly Punjabi food. We have 14 thousand feet space in Connaught Place, which I wish to turn into a food joint. Then we wish to open a restaurant at Paras Cinema by the end of 2004. Dhaba Express is just for testing the market and it is proving successful," says Rahul Malhotra, the owner, who has shifted from the jewellery to food business.

The place offers a wide array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare in unpretentious setting. Continuing with the latest trend of offering homely environment in commercial hubs, pathan suit clad staff offers jute seats to the keen in the lantern-lit restaurant. However, the first floor meant for family get-togethers is not designed for tall family members.

On the menu, Amritsari bhuna meat, where capsicum and chop masala prove their worth, chicken lipatwan and machli Hoshiarpuri attract attention. Refusing to part with the spice name and combination Chef Mukesh Goswami says, "Most of the spices come from Ludhiana to give the perfect feel of the land. Besides these murg achar tikka, where we use aam ka achaar and mutton keema are also famous with the customers."

On the vegetarian platform, Aloo Bharwan stuffed with cheese and peas tops the contenders. Then vegetable seekh kabab has the ability to prevent you from entering the main course, where different cheese curries vie for your buds. Garlic naan, pudina naan and mirchi parantha prove to be humble companions never looking to hog the limelight. For desserts kesar kulfi and gulab jamun with the cavity full of dry fruits, demand space from the lavish main course to be truly enjoyed.

Reasonable prices with the corporate thali coming for as low as Rs.55, Dhaba Express is worth a trip.